When the farmer, Mr. Barleycorn, finds a green baby growing in the field near his home he decides to take it home. Once home and living with Mr. and Mrs. Barleycorn, magical things begin to happen and all sorts of things grow around the baby. Mrs. Barleycorn thinks the baby needs to go. But, she and the community learn that difference is not always bad. Illustrations are predominantly green and dark, fitting with the magic of the story, and painted with beautiful realism.

English Association's 7-11 years Picture Book Award 2016.

Author also works as an illustrator in Australia.

English. Originally published in UK by Templar Books in 2015. Published in the United States by Candlewick in 2015.

A modern fable about nature's power from a Kate Greenaway Medal winner

Mr. Barleycorn picks a green baby growing on his land, unleashing the incredible power of nature. When zucchinis flower in the kitchen and carrots sprout out of their television, Mr. Barleycorn’s wife insists that the Greenling has to go. But the bounty and beauty of nature have a strange power — the power to bring a whole community together.